Ikarus Down

I’ve been involved in the music scene long enough to understand the frustration behind labeling bands into specific genres. Everybody wants to label somebody, but the way music has changed, labels are becoming less and less indicative of the artists behind them. Milwaukee’s Ikarus Down is a prime example of a band that defies genres and focuses more on the music than the label attached to it.

The band recently finished working on a six track EP and plans to celebrate this Friday, November 12th, with a release party at Whiskey Bar. I was able to listen to the album and was quite impressed with the range in styles and the band’s dynamic. The EP opens with the track “Catch Me If You Can.” I didn’t know what to expect, but it definitely wasn’t this, and that isn’t a bad thing! It opens with an upbeat tempo and a prominent piano part that reminded me of a track Augustana would have written early on in their discography. I’ve always considered the first track on albums to be very important because it sets the tone. Listening to that track, I could tell that these guys are individually talented but can come together to form a mature alternative rock sound.

The third track, “Critical Condition”, was my favorite and the one I think has the most potential as a single. I enjoyed that the song structure was the exact opposite of what I was expecting. It has a slower intro and I assumed it was going to be the ballad of the EP but I was definitely wrong. When the song picks up it has all of the elements of a well-written rock song, including great guitar parts and vocals that reminded me of the late Paris Texas.

Wrapping up the EP is a very aggressive track entitled “Out Of Your Mind”. While it’s not my favorite song, I thought it was a perfect track to close on. It’s a great song that leaves you wanting more. The back-up vocals on the track are a huge addition to the song and really helped make it seem complete.

The best thing about Ikarus Down’s latest release is the lack of filler tracks. Perhaps this is why they opted to release an EP instead of a full length. Whatever the case, the release is something to be proud of and showcases the talent of the members as individuals and as a band. Recorded with J. Christopher Hughes at Post Historic Recording and mastered by Justin Perkins, the band definitely had some experienced hands helping them on the project. I’m looking forward to watching them develop in the coming years. It will be interesting to see what’s next for them and what opportunities arise from this release.

The release party is this Friday at Whiskey Bar. Doors open at 8 and there’s no cover to get in. Make sure to use the money you save at the door to pick up Ikarus Down’s The EP. Also playing is I’m Not a Pilot who will also be releasing their new album Need Money for Rocket Fuel. Whiskey Bar is located at 788 N. Jackson Street.
- 4pm Magazine

I’ve been involved in the music scene long enough to understand the frustration behind labeling bands into specific genres. Everybody wants to label somebody, but the way music has changed, labels are becoming less and less indicative of the artists behind them. Milwaukee’s Ikarus Down is a prime example of a band that defies genres and focuses more on the music than the label attached to it.

The band recently finished working on a six track EP and plans to celebrate this Friday, November 12th, with a release party at Whiskey Bar. I was able to listen to the album and was quite impressed with the range in styles and the band’s dynamic. The EP opens with the track “Catch Me If You Can.” I didn’t know what to expect, but it definitely wasn’t this, and that isn’t a bad thing! It opens with an upbeat tempo and a prominent piano part that reminded me of a track Augustana would have written early on in their discography. I’ve always considered the first track on albums to be very important because it sets the tone. Listening to that track, I could tell that these guys are individually talented but can come together to form a mature alternative rock sound.

The third track, “Critical Condition”, was my favorite and the one I think has the most potential as a single. I enjoyed that the song structure was the exact opposite of what I was expecting. It has a slower intro and I assumed it was going to be the ballad of the EP but I was definitely wrong. When the song picks up it has all of the elements of a well-written rock song, including great guitar parts and vocals that reminded me of the late Paris Texas.

Wrapping up the EP is a very aggressive track entitled “Out Of Your Mind”. While it’s not my favorite song, I thought it was a perfect track to close on. It’s a great song that leaves you wanting more. The back-up vocals on the track are a huge addition to the song and really helped make it seem complete.

The best thing about Ikarus Down’s latest release is the lack of filler tracks. Perhaps this is why they opted to release an EP instead of a full length. Whatever the case, the release is something to be proud of and showcases the talent of the members as individuals and as a band. Recorded with J. Christopher Hughes at Post Historic Recording and mastered by Justin Perkins, the band definitely had some experienced hands helping them on the project. I’m looking forward to watching them develop in the coming years. It will be interesting to see what’s next for them and what opportunities arise from this release.

The release party is this Friday at Whiskey Bar. Doors open at 8 and there’s no cover to get in. Make sure to use the money you save at the door to pick up Ikarus Down’s The EP. Also playing is I’m Not a Pilot who will also be releasing their new album Need Money for Rocket Fuel. Whiskey Bar is located at 788 N. Jackson Street.
- 4pm Magazine

"Cut from the Alternative Rock 2.0 cloth, Ikarus Down finds its sound between Radiohead’s spacey groove, Kings of Leon’s ballast and the indie pop sensibilities of Death Cab for Cutie and Phoenix. The Milwaukee five-piece are favorites on the local music scene and currently working on a studio album that’s determined to match the momentum of the band’s unflinching live sets." - Intercontinental Milwaukee

"Cut from the Alternative Rock 2.0 cloth, Ikarus Down finds its sound between Radiohead’s spacey groove, Kings of Leon’s ballast and the indie pop sensibilities of Death Cab for Cutie and Phoenix. The Milwaukee five-piece are favorites on the local music scene and currently working on a studio album that’s determined to match the momentum of the band’s unflinching live sets." - Intercontinental Milwaukee

"Dramatic second-wave alternative rock soaked in a dark electronic haze. Fans of 30 Seconds to Mars and Muse should get on board."
- JsOnline - The Journal Sentinel

"Dramatic second-wave alternative rock soaked in a dark electronic haze. Fans of 30 Seconds to Mars and Muse should get on board."
- JsOnline - The Journal Sentinel

"The sonic adventure of mid-period Radiohead, the heart of Incubus' best and the fancies of pretense that endear fans to 30 Seconds to Mars come together in a highly marketable sound on the Milwaukee group's six-song CD. They mingle compassion and concern for others with ennui and the kind of navel-gazing that might be expected from a band with their influences and mythologically minded name. When they really get to rocking, it's easy to imagine them getting a club full of college kids out of their seats and on the dance floor. Very likely they have greater goals in mind. Blessed already with nationally competitive production values thanks to their co-production with J. Christopher Hughes, Ikarus Down may well have it in them to fulfill some of their grander dreams with an equally strong full-length release and a little spit ’n’ polish. So long as they don't fly too close to the sun, they should do all right."
- Express Milwaukee - Shepard Express

"The sonic adventure of mid-period Radiohead, the heart of Incubus' best and the fancies of pretense that endear fans to 30 Seconds to Mars come together in a highly marketable sound on the Milwaukee group's six-song CD. They mingle compassion and concern for others with ennui and the kind of navel-gazing that might be expected from a band with their influences and mythologically minded name. When they really get to rocking, it's easy to imagine them getting a club full of college kids out of their seats and on the dance floor. Very likely they have greater goals in mind. Blessed already with nationally competitive production values thanks to their co-production with J. Christopher Hughes, Ikarus Down may well have it in them to fulfill some of their grander dreams with an equally strong full-length release and a little spit ’n’ polish. So long as they don't fly too close to the sun, they should do all right."
- Express Milwaukee - Shepard Express